Last month, the Chico Enterprise-Record published an updated report about Fire Station 5 that had come under scrutiny late last year. According to the article, repairs and demolition work are finally taking place to prevent future water intrusion and mold problems.

It was last December when the news outlet first reported that the fire station was about to undergo several weeks’ worth of mold remediation activities. During that time, the firefighters would be temporarily housed in a trailer located on the property. That temporary move turned into a nine-month wait for construction to finally begin.

Even a small leak or a minor flooding event can be enough to cause mold growth. In Chico’s Fire Station 5, mold was reportedly found by a leaking window, behind a dishwasher and in the area around the washer and dryer. Under the right conditions, mold can begin to grow in as short as 24 to 48 hours. Controlling moisture is crucial for preventing microbial growth in buildings that can quickly develop into significant health concerns for the people who live or work in the building.

“If elevated levels of mold are allowed to develop in an indoor space, its presence can cause allergies, trigger asthma attacks in sensitive individuals and even lead to infections in some people,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at LA Testing and EMSL Analytical, Inc. “At LA Testing, we provide comprehensive laboratory testing services and all of the sampling supplies necessary to help identify the presence of mold and other airborne contaminants.”

LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals. In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states. LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Garden Grove, San Leandro and San Diego.